Godfrey Oboabona paired Kenneth Omeruo in the heart of Super Eagles defence at South Africa 2013 AFCON tournament.
Oboabona was branded “New Keshi” by a section of the press on account of his role in Eagles defence and his closeness to Keshi.
Yes, the Late “Big Boss” Stephen Keshi loved Oboabona for his doggedness, patriotism, passion, toughness and raw power. The former Sunshine Stars captain was a rock and pillar in that defence. He won Keshi’s heart and first team shirt despite being one of the six home based players in Eagles squad in that tournament.
Oboabona ended that tournament and “disappeared” like several other players of that squad. Many thought winning that tournament would open doors for bigger and better deals for the players especially in Europe.
Some of them landed in Europe but things didn’t work out as expected. Just a few of them struggled to remain relevant. The likes of Ejike Uzoenyi, Sunday Mba, Nosa Igiebor, Juwon Oshaniwa, Brown Ideye, Emmanuel Emenike and Azubuike Egwuekwe among others almost faded away.
The few that hanged on included Omeruo, Ahmed Musa, John Obi Mikel who has retired and Victor Moses among others.
Recently, Oboabona returned to the NPFL to pitch tent with his former club, Sunshine Stars of Akure. He is 33 and already facing the exit door of his career.
He isn’t the first player to return to the local league from abroad. Late Rashidi Yekini did. Etim Esin equally did…and some others.
If Kano Pillars captain, Rabiu Ali is still going strong at 43 perhaps, Oboabona could have something to offer Sunshine Stars and the NPFL.
The experience of committed players like Oboabona shouldn’t be ignored or discarded. The League organizers need such players.
Welcome back defence strongman!!!
©️ DESMOND EKWUEME
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